New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was, as anticipated, named the Madden NFL 11 cover athlete today, appearing over a montage that honors the team and home city as well as the player.

The Saints' triumph in Super Bowl XLIV was, like it or not, a national feel-good story considering the city's history in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Brees is a record-setting performer who helmed their title run, has a compelling personal story in his return from a devastating arm injury, and is well known for his contributions to the New Orleans community.

I really can't think of a cover subject more relevant to and well liked by football fans at the time of his Madden appearance. Michael Vick was extremely hot, a quarterback of the future, when EA Sports landed him for Madden NFL 2004. His selection might be diminished in retrospect by his conviction and federal prison sentence for running a dogfighting ring. Brett Favre had retired as one of the most beloved players in NFL history when Madden NFL 08 picked him for the cover; he proceeded to piss away much of that goodwill in a wearisome retirement drama that continues to this day.

The cover art is also a departure in its inclusion of the background visuals - of the New Orleans Superdome, Saints fans, and another shot of Brees himself. Previous Madden covers were all of a single player shot. It doesn't appear to be unique to this case, as NCAA Football 11'sbox shot of Tim Tebow also features background scenes, and a logo change as well.

Brees' selection was the culmination of two months of fan voting conducted by Doritos; he beat out Indianapolis receiver Reggie Wayne and Minnesota defensive lineman Jared Allen.